40 North Labs

Ben Crosby

Ben Crosby, founder of Specialty Imaging and 40 North Labs, has been pushing the technological envelope in photography for over 25 years with one idea in mind; to continuously introduce new products and concepts that will simplify and enhance the connection between individuals and their photos.
Ben created Sports Imaging in 1990 and began working with Sony and Mitsubishi to develop software, cameras and printing processes that introduced unique photographic ideas into the sporting industry. Moving into the digital era, Sports Imaging was involved in the 2002 Winter Olympics and provided new concepts, digital technology and products to sponsors such as NBC, Coke Cola, Visa and the USOC.
Specialty Imaging was created in 2002 and developed a revolutionary process called “engagement technology” to meet and exceed the demands of corporate event photography. Partnering with premier companies around the globe, Ben realized there was no single use solution to fit his client’s needs. In 2007 he decided to create a photo management software that provided a multi-platform solution that changed the industry. In 2015, 40 North Labs was created with plans to market and sale this software to other business channels.

Kevin Plumb

Kevin Plumb has more than 30 years experience as s successful entrepreneur. In 2013 Kevin won the Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” for the Utah Region. Multiple successful exits in five different industries.. A few of the transactions are listed below to show the diverse nature of the companies.

Ingram Medical was a wholesale distributor of pharmaceutical supplies to 1,500 independent pharmacies at the time of acquisition in 2007. Transformed the company to a direct to consumer mail order pharmacy that services over 1,000,000 customers and has $700mm in annual revenues.

Beehive Brick, a 25 year old privately held distribution company, sales were sharply declining for two years pre-acquisition. Post acquisition, sales grew from $2.5m to $17.1m in two years. Market share increased from 5% to 52%. This was done in a flat and declining construction market. Acquired from Kevin by private investors.

Cerberian, a startup using personal and VC funds. Developed Cerberian Web Filter. It is the most progressive Internet filtering solution available. Specifically designed for Internet device manufacturers and service providers, Cerberian Web Filter features a small, ultra-lite footprint that integrates with Internet enabled products and services. This unique design adds “next generation” web and newsgroup filtering to small and large devices. The company and technology were acquired by Blue Coat.

USConnect, a systems integration startup. Developed technology talent that enabled services sales to grow from $2 million to $12 million in less than 3 years. Under Kevin’s leadership, the company was successfully sold to the fortune 200 IKON Office Solutions.

Currently serving on many boards and philanthropic organizations. A few notable boards are:

• Intermountain Healthcare Research and Medical Foundation
• University of Utah Center for Medical Innovation

Currently serving as the Chairman of mDerma.

Rick McEwen

Rick started his career at IBM and has 20 years of experience in software development. He is a master of product development, design, architecture, implementation, testing, and deployment.

Stacey Whitney

Stacey specializes in digital design and front-end development, but is deeply connected to overall marketing strategy and user experience. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and has been a marketing professional since 2004. She has worked with small businesses, large businesses, start-ups, software companies and national brands. When she is not in front of the computer, you can usually find her out on the hill, skiing with her husband and two children.

Ryan Wilson

Ryan has worked in the software industry for more than 25 years as a developer, development manager, and freelancer. He is a graduate of East Tennessee State University with a BS in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics. Ryan has always been fascinated by technology, and spends much of his free time researching new technologies and working on software and hardware projects at home.

When not working, Ryan enjoys nearly anything outdoors, especially when joined by his wife and kids. He is passionate about traveling, and will take any chance to see and explore new places.